Raymond F. Hills

Raymond was one of four children born to Michael and Francis Tanzer. Michael tragically died when the children were young. Edwin Hills married Francis, adopting her three boys and one girl, and adding one boy of their own to the family.

While in the Air Force, Raymond met his sweetheart for life, LaVon Konen, and they enjoyed nearly six decades of marriage prior to LaVon’s death in 2013. Raymond and LaVon were exceptional parents to five children, Craig (Nancy), Doug (Cathy), Dennis (Lisa), René, and Ken (Nancy). They were also blessed with 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Raymond’s family was always his top priority.

He was a career civil servant working for the 304th Air and Sea Rescue, where he was a well-respected Senior Master Sergeant supervising the repair and maintenance of airplanes and helicopters. He retired from this position in 1987. He and LaVon were adventurous and traveled the world together. To help finance their fun trips, Raymond un-retired and took another job at Mt. Hood Community College, assisting with the auto repair program for another 17 years. He also started a real estate venture, where he would purchase “fixer-uppers” and make the properties look like new again. Raymond was a devout Catholic and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. He faithfully served his church by making repairs to its property, serving Sunday breakfasts, and delivering meals for Loaves and Fishes. Raymond always included his family in his favorite hobbies: a good round of golf, fishing trips, and camping at Fort Stevens. He always liked to keep busy, and had a remarkable ability to fix everything from cars to houses. Raymond devoted his life to his family and friends, always serving others and helping to make their lives better. His calm demeanor, keen sense of humor, and comforting presence brought joy and laughter to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m., May 17, 2017 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 1015 S.E. 182nd Avenue, Portland, OR, with a Recitation of the Rosary at 1:00 pm.